Germany has set a minimum net income of €2,050 per month for a single person seeking to sponsor a spouse under family reunification rules, as outlined in Section 29 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). The threshold increases significantly based on the number of family members joining and whether the applicant is already caring for children in Germany.
Salary Table for Family Reunification in Germany
According to official guidelines from Germany, the net monthly income required for family reunification varies by household composition. For a single reference person bringing one family member, the minimum is €2,050; for two persons joining, it rises to €2,650; and for three persons, the requirement is €3,250.
A single caregiver with one child already in Germany needs €2,650 to bring one additional person, €3,250 for two, and €3,900 for three. For a single caregiver with two children, the minimum starts at €3,100, increasing to €3,700 and €4,350 as the number of arriving family members grows.
All figures are based on net salary, meaning the amount received after taxes and social insurance contributions are deducted. It is the actual take-home pay, not gross earnings, that determines eligibility.
How Rent Affects the Calculation
Rent plays a central role in determining whether an applicant's income is sufficient. German authorities assess appropriate housing based on household size. A two-person household should have at least 60 square metres of living space, with warm rent between €700 and €850. For three people, the requirement rises to 75 square metres with rent of €850 to €1,000, and for five people, it reaches 105 square metres with rent up to €1,200 to €1,400.
To illustrate the calculation: a single person earning a net salary of €2,400 who wants to bring a spouse would have an adjusted net income of €2,050. With a total household requirement of €1,700 (standard needs of €1,000 plus rent of €700), the income requirement is met.
Salary documents are submitted either to the Foreigners' Office when filing a declaration of commitment or to the embassy when applying for a visa on behalf of an incoming family member.
Alternatives When Income Is Insufficient
Applicants who fall short of the required threshold still have legal options. A third party, such as a friend or relative, can submit a declaration of commitment under Section 68 of the Residence Act in place of the applicant. Alternatively, a blocked account can be set up, requiring a deposit large enough to cover living costs for five years, calculated using the same standard of needs plus rent criteria. While this can be financially demanding, it remains a legally recognised route to family reunification in Germany.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Germany has published the official list of nationalities eligible to carry out seasonal work within its borders, outlining which foreign nationals are permitted to take up temporary employment under the country's labour regulations.
